Holiday Scoop

Holiday Scoop

Disney fanatics won't want to miss the 25th Anniversary Welcome Center just inside the Magic Kingdom, where they'll get badges commemorating the year of their first visit to the park.

They'll also find all sorts of nostalgic memorabilia and a video preview of upcoming Disney projects, including a sneak peek at Disney's Animal Kingdom, which opens next year as the company's fourth Central Florida theme park.

- SPACE THRILLS

If you're ready to trade fantasy for history, head east to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center in Brevard County.

The latest addition is the $37 million Apollo/Saturn V Center, home to a fully restored Saturn V rocket the size of a football field. The exhibit also has two shows retelling America's quest to send astronauts to the moon.

Strategies

Saving time

Plan your itinerary to beat the crowds. The Magic Kingdom is busiest Monday, Thursday and Saturday; Epcot, on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; and Disney-MGM Studios, on Wednesday and Sunday.

Staying safe Plot your course with the help of a hotel guest service desk before heading out. Lost and confused-looking travelers are easy prey.

Getting around If you're staying in Osceola County, don't get confused. U.S. Highway 192 is also called Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Vine Street, 13th Street and Space Coast Highway.

If you're heading to International Drive, watch out for roadwork. Southbound lanes of Republic Drive near Via Mercado to the I-Drive intersection will be closed. Southbound traffic will be rerouted to I-Drive. Northbound lanes of Republic are open.

The airport

Orlando International now has baggage carts in the terminal and parking garages. The rental fee: $1.50.